Proclaiming Saturday, October 19, 2013 as Men Against Domestic Violence Day to raise public awareness of the specter of domestic violence and stand united in support of victims of domestic violence across the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Victims of domestic violence are vulnerable to chronic poverty, unemployment, underemployment, lack of adequate housing, and lack of safe communities to seek refuge; and

WHEREAS, Domestic abusers are often motivated by a desire to exert power and control over their victims. Last year, 24 homicides were attributed to domestic violence in the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Domestic violence negatively affects the quality of life and safety of Philadelphia residents, male or female, every day; however, men are, on average, less likely to speak out against domestic violence; and

WHEREAS, The conversation about domestic violence must include men, and men must be offered the same level of support and resources available to other victims. Combating domestic violence requires a united front of all members of society to condemn perpetrators; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Philadelphia community have dedicated their lives to the service of domestic abuse victims and the elimination of domestic violence in official capacities within public and private organizations; and

WHEREAS, MoShay LaRen is one such member of the public who has shown a life-long effort toward the elimination of domestic violence, spreading a message of support and outreach toward victims of domestic violence through a private career with Radio One's WRNB-FM and as a community representative on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. MoShay LaRen is the primary architect of the “Man Up” rally, dedicated to organizing men around Philadelphia to protest against domestic violence; now, therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes Saturday, October 19, 2013, as Men Against Domestic Violence Day and a call to action for men across the City of Philadelphia to stand united against the horrible abuses of domestic violence. This Council invites community leaders across Philadelphia, including religious and business leaders, government officials, professional athletes, and media personalities, to join them in condemning the scourge of domestic violence.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to MoShay LaRen as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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